Emergency funding request one option in vaccine money shortfall

Monday, Aug. 30, 1999 | 4:26 a.m.

But another option being considered by the state Division of Health would limit the vaccine to children who qualify for a federal Vaccines for Children program. Only 39 percent of children qualify for that program.

The program pays for shots for children who are on Medicaid, uninsured, underinsured or are Native American or Alaskan natives.

"We're looking at all the options," says Bob Salcido, the Health Division's immunization program manager. "I'd like to see us remain a 'universal status' state, but that's the most expensive option. Or at least semi-universal."

The decision will be up to Health Division chief Yvonne Sylva and her superiors in the Guinn administration. If extra funding is sought, lawmakers will get involved too.

When Nevada joined the Vaccines for Children program in 1994, it chose "universal-status" and has provided enough vaccine so doctors could offer free immunizations to all children, regardless of federal eligibility.

Under universal status, the number of medical offices jumped from 110 to 214. But the federal government cut support by 42 percent in 1998 and another 30 percent this year. Adding to the financial stress is the expense of buying new vaccines.

Salcido said the state had $5.4 million for vaccines last fiscal year, and that'll drop to $4.8 million this fiscal year. The expected shortfall will range from $600,000 to $1 million.

Dr. Susan Pintar of Carson City is leading an effort to ensure that the state kicks in enough money to keep the program going. Since lawmakers don't meet in regular session until 2001, their Interim Finance Committee would get the request.

"I am concerned that this will severely limit access to vaccinations for most of Nevada's children, many of whom are uninsured, and decrease our immunization rates, leading to much higher rates of disease," Pintar said in a letter to legislators.

"Numerous studies have documented that immunizing children in the office where their other health care is provided has the greatest measure of success," she said.

"In areas where physicians do not have vaccine or must buy it privately and charge their patients for it, the rates of immunization fall dramatically."